With the trend towards a healthy lifestyle on the rise, so is the demand for natural products like traditional medicine (TM). Just over the last five years, China exports of traditional medicine to the ASEAN region have increased by more than 150 percent from US$81.36 million in 2004 to US$210.80 million in 2008.

Aside from its being a natural and holistic alternative to western medicine, traditional medicine's affordability, accessibility, effectiveness, and long heritage are the factors driving the growth of the industry.

An inaugural exposition to be held in Singapore aims to further accelerate the growth of the TM sector by providing a platform for TM organizations from the region to showcase the latest in patent medicine, raw herbs, herbal extracts, health supplements, health care and therapy, as well as equipment and related services.

Jointly organized by Singapore TCM Organizations Committee (STOC) and the Singapore TCM College, the Traditional Medicine Expo (TMExpo) 2009 will be held from December 4-6, 2009 at the Suntec City International Convention and Exhibition, Singapore.

Said Mr. Lee Tiong Sa, Chairman of STOC, “The organization of TMExpo 2009 is very timely as the governments of the various ASEAN countries work towards the establishment of an ASEAN common market, and to harmonize the regulatory system for Traditional Medicine and Health Supplements for the region by 2015.”

Trade visitors looking to gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments and regulatory systems for traditional medicine in the various countries in the region will definitely gain invaluable insights at the TM Expo 2009 conference; the one-and-a-half day conference will feature an esteemed panel of speakers hailing from national health organizations, industry associations, and prestigious educational institutions in the region.

Two Filipino experts, Dr. Rainier Villanueva, President of the Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines, and Mrs Melody Zamudio, Food-Drug Regulation Officer III, Food & Drug Administration, Philippines, will join the roster of speakers at the TM Expo Conference.

As the conference is expected to attract 200-250 overseas business practitioners, it will offer excellent opportunities for corporate networking and potential business collaboration.

According to Dr. Villanueva, “The conference programme will serve to strengthen understanding of the government regulatory policies for Traditional Medicine in the various markets in the region as well as key trends driving the growth in the sector. I am confident that industry players will be able to glean insightful information which can help them explore untapped opportunities and venture into new markets.”

In addition to showcasing the latest on traditional medicine in the region, TM Expo 2009 will also feature exhibitors from China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and the U.S.

These regional companies find TM Expo 2009 as an opportunity to launch their products and services.

According to Dato Dr Pa Nok Ching of Malaysia's Jin Bin Corporation Sdn Bhd, “As the up and coming regional TM hub in Asia, Singapore is the perfect location to introduce our company and launch some of our products to a regional audience. We are also hoping to identify potential working partners and overseas business prospects.”

The TM Expo is supported by International Enterprise Singapore, the Singapore Ministry of Health, SPRING Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board, and corporate sponsor Eu Yan Sang.

To voice “Galing ng Pinoy,” Western Union chooses singing champion Rhap Salazar, who feels very excited about promoting the anthem around the world. For him, “Galing ng Pinoy” speaks of the strength and perseverance of the OFW. “Filipinos have a can-do spirit. They don't stop until they reach their dreams,” he says. “OFWs leave their families to work in other places. They really are our heroes.”

Rhap, himself, has become a little hero of the country. In July 2009, he brought home top honors, as the junior grand champion solo vocalist and junior grand champion performer, at the World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA). Besting thousands of contestants from 48 countries, he continued the Philippine's winning streak in the competition, which, in past years, had hailed Jed Madela, Reymond Sajor, and Catherine Loria, among others, as top performers.

For Jonathan, it is only fitting that Rhap sings “Galing ng Pinoy.” “At a very young age, while representing our country, he became a world champion. He is a world-class talent for a song that talks about the world-class Filipino,” the music manager declares. Choosing the 12-year-old also adds authenticity to the song. He continues, “When Rhap sings 'Galing ng Pinoy,' it becomes purer. There is more emotion. There is more heart. You can feel the sincerity in every line he delivers because you cannot hide the innocence of a child.”

Singing comes naturally to Rhap, who, at the age of three, began his affair with making music with his voice. In a little town, in the province of Mindoro, his parents, Aida and Emmanuel, noticed that their son knew how to hold a microphone. At town fiestas, they encouraged this interest by joining him in singing competitions. Though he didn't win first prize in his debut, Rhap, with his version of “I'll Be There” by The Jackson 5, soon collected an armful of trophies in contests that followed, Fast forward to 2005, Rhap took on the whole country, winning the ABS-CBN singing tilt Little Big Star. In 2009, he dreamed of the world, joining WCOPA in Los Angeles. Apart from taking home top honors, Rhap swept the WCOPA's junior division, winning five gold medals in the vocal categories of Broadway, gospel, open, pop, and R&B.

Now and then, fans do recognize him. When it happens, the young star feels happy, knowing that people enjoy what he's doing. “It makes me want to do better so that I can make them happier,” proclaims Rhap. “Making people feel good is what I really love about singing.”

Sexy maxi dresses seem to be Phoemela Baranda’s fashion preference lately and she has been experimenting with styles and colors inspired basically with just one dress, the Multi-Dress.

The TV Host/Model recently signed up as the newest endorser of Get Laud, our local clothing company which pioneers in creating pieces that are affordable, stylish and fits any body shape. The Multi-Dress is Get Laud’s answer to demand for dressing up in different style without breaking one’s bank account.

In the recent fashion show held at 9501 in ABS-CBN, Phoem was officially launched as the face of Get Laud, walking the runway with the store’s newest collection. A fashion icon for more than a decade, Phoem is proud that she gets to represent the company’s vision of delivering Philippine-made clothing to all women without compromising style, comfort and affordability.

Speaking from an insider’s point of view Phoemela said, “Get Laud has very unique designs and wide variety of style you can choose from. You can go for casual chic to elegantly stylish. From vibrant colors and prints to tone down earth colors and it comes in plus size. Get laud is very up to date with excellent quality at an affordable price. It's a fashionista's heaven.”

For someone who is deemed to dress good all the time, Phoemela has learned to scout the local fashion stores to score great bargains that are as stylish as its more expensive counterparts. An avid fan of the local designs, she said that some of the best pieces could be found in our local retail stores. Like most models, she even goes all the way to Tutuban to hunt for fashion finds, which she can mix and match, into a sassy ensemble.

A smart dresser, influenced by her years of experience in the fashion industry, Phoemela doesn’t dress for the trends. She still prefers classy and simple outfits that can be converted from daywear to eveningwear as she skips from modeling to hosting and attending events. On casual days, she favors plain shirts and shorts, owing to its comfort. Comfort for her is the key to looking good. When your comfortable your confident,” she says.

Phoemela Baranda started her career as an image model and since then became an in-demand ramp, commercial and print model. She also dips her foot into acting, landing roles in Pangako Sayo, Cool Dudes and Narito ang Puso Ko. Nowadays, she is busy juggling hosting jobs in The Buzz and TV Patrol while being the Public Relations officer of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines

To steal Phoemela Baranda’s style, visit any of Get Laud’s 30 branches nationwide or log on to www.getlaud.com.Subscribe to My Feed

It's Christmas! This is just the most-awaited time of the year. Everyone is in the mood for parties and celebrations. But before you put on that party dress, make sure that you are also fully loaded with the latest chismis. To cap off this year, The Buzz Magasin has the exclusive stories that you are dying to know about in full details.

At last, sila na at forever pa! The long wait is finally over. Sen. Mar and Korina exchanged their heartfelt “I do’s” last October 27. Get a glimpse of the never-been-seen photos during the wedding and their honeymoon that will make you kilig.

At last, Angel Locsin breaks her silence about her hush-hush breakup with Luis Manzano four months ago and are actually not speaking terms. Is she ready to fall in love again? On the same boat, Gab Valenciano and Rachael Ann Go ended their one-year-old relationship. Find out how the ex-lovers ended up toward splitsville.

At last, we unravel the Richard Gutierrez and Jewel Mische’s love story that bloomed over innocent coffee breaks when they teamed up for a previous fantaserye. Get an inside scoop of their quiet relationship. Who is this couple that calls each other Yummy and Baby girl? Are they also talking about marriage?

Another breaking news that you should not miss: Ecxlusive! Wedding photos of Igi Boy Muhlach, the upcoming reunion movie of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo; why is the Kimerald love team having pressure for 2010? And read Tito Boy Abunda’s secret road to success.

Plus! Bonggang feature of Annabelle Rama’s birthday celebration, the making of Hindi Ka Nag-iisa music video, Kian Kazemi’s new trip and the 2010 bonggang teleserye lineup revealed in celebration of ABS-CBN’s 60 years of being home to the best Pinoy teleseryes!

As you do your Christmas shopping, don’t forget to buy The Buzz Magasin’s December 2009. It will not only be a stress-free Christmas but a sumptuous one when you find out the latest buzz in showbizlandia.

National Geographic Channel, in partnership with Ayala Malls and The Mind Museum, unveiled a life-size sculpture of the world’s biggest baby blue whale in Manila. This is the last stop of the Asian tour that aims to further public understanding of blue whales. Blue whales are the largest creature to ever inhabit the earth. Bigger than the greatest dinosaurs, they weigh up to 200 tons and extend up to 30 meters.

The Big Blue Exhibition will take visitors into the world of the magnificent blue whales. The sophisticated sculpture will be the highlight of the event. It is a life-like rendering of a nine-meter long, two-month old, female blue whale that was created by a team of professional model makers in Australia.

The exhibition also includes expert sharing sessions, conservation and education activities, and a feature writing competition. It features never-before-seen footages from National Geographic’s groundbreaking documentary, Big Blue.

The Big Blue Exhibition will run in five different venues on the following dates: Glorietta 5, November 17-26; Trinoma Mall, November 28-December 11; Alabang Town Center, January 4-17; Market! Market!, January 18-February 2; and Greenbelt Mall, February 3-17.

“The National Geographic Channel is delighted to launch Asia’s first Blue Whale Exhibition in Manila, in partnership with Ayala Malls and the Mind Museum. We hope that this inspiring encounter with this majestic creature will spark imaginations and further interest in marine conservation and how oceans relates closely to the well-being of humans,” said Sonia Jackson, senior vice president for marketing and general manager for Hong Kong and the Philippines of Fox International Channel, the mother company of National Geographic Channel.

The Ayala Malls, led by Ayala Group senior vice president Marivic Anonuevo, is committed to support the National Geographic’s efforts to encourage Filipinos to care for this beautiful creature and raise awareness of marine conservation in the Philippines.

Learn from the expert

National Geographic and The Mind Museum have invited local marine mammal scientist Dr. Arnel Andrew Yaptinchay to host special sharing sessions to inspire students and visitors of the Big Blue Exhibition.

Dr. Yaptinchay is one of the volunteer scientists providing advice on some exhibits for the museum. He is involved in conservation initiatives on threatened marine species such as the whale shark, cetaceans, and dugong in the Philippines. Dr. Yaptinchay has once served as director for the Species Conservation Program of World Wide Fund-Philippines. He will share his experiences with local audiences and answer questions.

Big Blue documentary

Showing on National Geographic Channel 18 November at 7 pm, 21 November at 11 am, and 22 November at 8 pm, the two-hour Big Blue special is the first documentary to uncover the mysteries of the blue whale.

The special features never-before-seen moments in the life of blue whales, with stunning first-time footage of a blue whale calf and its mother and amazing shots of an adult blue whale singing.

Audiences will also get a unique whale’s view through an advanced technology developed by National Geographic called CRITTERCAM®, which allows unprecedented access into the animal kingdom without human interference.

This state-of-the-art research device was attached to a blue whale’s back to record footages of the animal as it travels deep into the ocean to allow scientists to study its behaviors.

We also have on this issue the first of Rica Peralejo and her fiancé Joseph Bonifacio’s pre-nuptial preparations which Bonifacio himself penned, and an account of controversial host Willie Revillame’s Wowowee vacation, grand TV return and his next big purchase.

On a sad note, your monthly show biz companion looks back on the tragedy that was Ondoy with over 50 photos of celebrity heroes and victims and their heartrending stories.

Typhoons come and go but life goes on. Don’t forget to share in StarStudio’s humble offering of hope and engaging showbiz stories available in leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide.

Wondering what gifts to give your boy, BFFs, and family this Christmas? Chalk’s got all the answers in their annual Gift Guide Special! Check out the list of the best stores to visit for all your gift-shopping needs, plus UAAP and NCAA Hotties confess what gifts they’d really like to get this year. Cover girl Carla Abellana talks about her rise to stardom and reveals her top five shopping tips. Find out what the hottest upcoming trends are for the holiday parties, then see how you can get the exact same looks—for less! Say goodbye to raccoon eyes and smudges—there’s also a guide on how to make your makeup last the whole night. Want more UAAP action? Get a load of the pull-out poster recapping all the highlights of the recently-concluded basketball season with photos of all of the UAAP team captains inside. Plus Jabbawockeez, model Ian Batherson, Monster Radio RX 93.1’s Paula Santos, and more! It’s all in Chalk’s November issue, in newsstands now

Elevating the action to the next level of thrill is an entire month of world class events on Balls, the complete channel for all sports buffs on Skycable Channel 34.

Sports enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the U-17 FIFA World Cup Nigeria will be shown live at Balls Channel on November 12 starting 10:30pm and 16 at 1:30am. The FIFA U-17 World Cup is the third oldest FIFA competition following the FIFA World CupTM and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. In 2005, only 16 teams participated in the tournament and after only two years, the figure rose to 24 particpating teams with a total of 66 associations taking part. Joining the superstar teams of Nigeria and Brazil are the youth squads of Algeria, Malawi and Switzerland eager to make their debut on the world stage.

UFC 105 fans can't wait any longer for the main event as Hall of Famer Randy “The Natural” Couture makes his comeback to the light heavyweight division against dynamic striker Brandon “The Truth” Vera on November 15 at 7a.m. Another great fight that shouldn’t be missed is UFC 106 between superstars Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin in a rematch of their explosive showdown back in 2006. Stay tuned on November 22 at 11:00am to find out if this sequel will be another instant classic.

Plus, adding fire and spice to an already fast paced month is the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on November 21 at 11:00pm and 23 at 12:30am. Now on its 5th year, the 2009 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The FIFA Beach Soccer World started in Rio de Janeiro in 2005 and has steadily grown in popularity. It currently has a record number of participating teams with more than 65 countries from the six FIFA confederation zones taking part in the qualifying stages.

Log on to www.ballschannel.multiply.com for more details and information on upcoming events. Balls is available on SkyCable Platinum, SkyCable Gold, SkyCable Silver and other quality cable operators nationwide.

SynopsisFate’s been reasonably fair to Max, a full-figured young woman with a ton of confidence, a hefty bank account, and a hearty sex life. Needless to say, she’s pretty satisfied with what’s on her plate. No complications. No weight issues at all. Life is sweet.

Until the sex part hits a snag.

Max is consumed by doubts, both crucial and trivial, mostly involving her waistline. She learns to cope in a manner typical of her upbringing.

Meanwhile, Max’s one-time lover Papu has a size-related dilemma of his own. He embarks on a futile search for redemption after an embarrassingly short encounter.Maximus & Minimus is a comedy about excess and shortcomings, with an ounce of sex and a pound of quirkiness.

Director’s Statement

“The objective is to tell a good, funny, and very visual story. It’s an attempt to extract humor from a quirky Filipino situation.

“Maximus & Minimus touches on subjects that do not normally come up in public discussion. We present these delicate matters in a way that cushions any unpleasant impact, and that is through humor.”

About the Director

Nap Jamir has been Director/Cinematographer for more than 400 television commercials since 1985.

He was the director of photography for the PETA-CCP production of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, a 13-episode mini-series for television directed by National Artist Eddie Romero. His film credits include Auraeus Solito’s Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros and Tuli, which both competed at the Sundance Film Festival, Jeffrey Jeturian’s Bridal Shower, and Tikoy Aguiluz’s Rizal sa Dapitan.

Since 2005 he has been Senior Lecturer on Advanced Cinematography at the University of the Philippines Film Institute. Maximus & Minimus is his directorial debut.

Mama Saleng is a religious fanatic who owns a boarding house and a canteen. As a child, Saleng was accused, along with her grandmother, of being an “aswang”. Her thirst for human flesh was quenched during the Martial Law years when she met Jessie Beltran, an undercover agent tasked with the brutal extermination of activists on Panay Island. Mama Saleng came to enjoy killing, becoming like the “aswang” she was accused of being.

She continues to indulge her monstrous appetites among her hapless lodgers.

Director’s Statement

“Every day for four years I passed a misspelled sign that said “Wanted: Border”. It was on the lamppost in front of the apartment I was renting. In 2001 I wrote a screenplay and called it “Wanted: Border”. At the time I was stressed-out from the fast pace of life in Manila. From all the stress I ended up creating some bizarre characters.

“This film is a sort of exorcism for me. All the characters are connected to me in some way. I used stories I heard from my friends, the experiences they told me about. The rest are figments of a hunger-driven imagination.”

About the Director

Ray Defante Gibraltar studied Philosophy at Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary, Jaro, Iloilo, and the University of Saint La Salle, Bacolod. He attended filmmaking workshops at Mowelfund Film Institute in 2001. His films When Timawa Meets Delgado, Syokoy, and Panudlak have been screened in international festivals.He is based in Guimbal, Iloilo, Philippines where he delivers eggs, does organic farming for a living, and watches a lot of animation with his son, Ray Gerard.

What if the attractive mute guy you meet on the metro train thinks you’re also deaf? Are you ready to pretend to be deaf? And what if you were both just pretending so as not to disappoint each other?

Paano Ko Sasabihin (How Do I Say This) is a romantic comedy about two souls entangled in a loop of lies, both of them hoping that true love will straighten everything out.

Director’s Statement

“This was my first attempt to write a full-length feature, and I finished it in 2002. I’d almost given up on getting it made until it was selected by Cinema One Originals.

“My fascination with the deaf began when I was a child—we lived near a school for the deaf on the border of Santolan, Malabon and Malinta, Valenzuela. From watching them I came to realize that communication has no boundaries. Speaking in sign language is not a limitation but a gift.”

About the Director

Richard S. Legaspi is Advertising, Painting and Art History lecturer at his alma mater, the University of the East. A graduate of the Asian Film Academy in Busan, South Korea, his films have been screen at the Busan, Dubai, Pyongyang, Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, and many other festivals. His short film Ambulancia won at the Festival Internazionale del Cortometraggio San Gio in Verona Italy.His latest film projects include “Hand-Painted Feathers”, which is set to compete at the Dubai IFF in December, and “Escape to Nothingness”, part of the official selection at World Film Festival Bangkok 2009.

In a quaint seaside village, 6-year-old Baning yearns to learn her ABCs. While the other kids attend the local public school, she has to wait by the roadside for school to end so she can play school with Maymay.

Maymay, aged 9, is distracted by her mother’s flirtation with a local lad. She misses her father who’s working abroad, and she has a crush on an older boy who seems oblivious of her. In contrast Baning seems unaffected by her family’s poverty and the fact that her slow, delinquent brother gets to attend school while she helps her mother with the laundry. What really bothers her is the way Maymay’s personal dramas affect her makeshift education. Then there’s the matter of Bobo the dog, the drunk next door, and the dreadful box hidden in the shed.

Director’s Statement

“I want to make a film brimming with sunshine and heart, one that celebrates the playful and generous spirit of the Filipino child while paying tribute to the colorful, crude, but proud rural Filipino family.”About the Director

Rommel Tolentino a.k.a. Milo is a visual artist who does fine art and commercial photography, graphic design, and films. He has received three Cinemalaya awards for his short films Orasyon, Andong, and Blogog. Milo is the first Filipino filmmaker to win the Clermont Ferrand International Short Film Competition (2009), and the Sonje Award in the Pusan International Film Festival (2008). His awards include the 2009 Gawad Urian for Short Film, the 2008 United Nations Millennium Development Goals Award, and the 2009 Bamboo Camera Award given by indie film pioneer Kidlat Tahimik.

When Fredrick Aguila visits the epidemic-stricken area of Dagatan, San Jose, Batangas, his only mission is to identify the disease that is spreading throughout the barrio and killing all the livestock.

In the course of his investigation he not only uncovers the secrets of the barrio, but miraculously heals a young girl.

News of his healing power spreads, and the villagers demand that he cure their sick children as well. Fredrick discovers his true identity, and his mysterious connection with the events in Dagatan.

Director’s Statement

“This film is based on my childhood experience. I spent my vacations in Dagatan, where I discovered that fantasy and magic are not merely stories. There are many things in this world that we are vaguely aware of but do not believe. But I believe, and I want to share what I’ve seen.

“Bala-Bala is a film for the whole family. It’s told in a serious manner, but it will be easily understood by viewers ages 8 to 98. I think of it as an independent film with a mainstream feel.

“Audiences who are open to exploring the realities beyond urban life will appreciate this film.”

About the Director

Melvin Brito has worked as an editor and director of videos and television shows. At present he is a writer and segment producer on a popular noontime variety show. Melvin majored in mass communications at Far Eastern University. Bala-Bala is his first feature film.

The Starbucks Coffee Philippines tradition returns this Christmas season – with the Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee Philippines 2010 Planner. The planner is available in 3 different textured and designed covers reflecting the unique stages of the coffee bean. Now on its 7th year, this annual Starbucks tradition highlights the company’s heritage by sharing its history, products, innovations, partner and customer stories and global responsibility.

A customer can avail of a Starbucks Christmas traditions planner promo card from November 4, 2009 to January 6, 2010. One sticker is awarded for each Starbucks beverage purchase. Holder must accumulate a total of seventeen (17) stickers (nine (9) Christmas beverage plus eight (8) core beverages except bottled drinks) to redeem one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2010 Planner.

For every redemption of the Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2010 Planner comes a donation to the continuous relief efforts for the Typhoon victims and to SparkHope – Starbucks flagship program for early childhood care and development in partnership with UNICEF.